Area businesses hold celebration for Elton Hills Bridge reopening

(ABC 6 News) – Friday, businesses in northwest Rochester came together to celebrate the Elton Hills Bridge reopening after being under construction for quite some time.

The event called ‘Bridging Communities’ wasn’t just about the bridge reopening, but about rebuilding the bridge between the businesses affected by the construction and the customers they serve.

Mark Young and his company Weekend Nirvana partnered with 125 Live Community Center to put on the event.

“With the bridge effecting all the local businesses out here. Obviously they wanted to something to celebrate it reopening. At the same time we were like let’s to a community social event that also brings different communities together to this location so we can celebrate it all together,” said Young.

Dunn Bros Coffee co-owner Dennis Wong, who’s store is located just a few hundred yards from the bridge, says his business took a big hit during construction, “It was a substantial impact, it was an inconvenience for people. Our sales dropped, our traffic dropped quite a bit. So, we’re happy that the bridge is finally done.”

The businesses along Elton Hills Dr. saw traffic and sales decrease not only from the construction, but the pandemic as well. Wong said, “Well, fundamentally we still enjoy the work and still enjoy the people. And that kinda got us through. So, we’re happy we made it through both issues, the COVID and the bridge closing.”

“For all of us to partner up together, and really get the economy where we want it to be going to, and where we see life in general,” Wong added, “not only the businesses, but the neighborhood, just traffic in general. People are happy the bridge is open.”